Police: Wood shop teacher made up story about attack

BOTHELL, Wash. (AP) — Authorities say a Seattle-area high school shop teacher who claimed he was attacked and choked by an unknown assailant now admits he made up the story and staged the crime scene.

Police Sgt. Ken Seuberlich said Thursday that Cal Pygott, 62, could face criminal charges for false reporting of a crime. KOMO reports ( http://bit.ly/2bjhHoa ) that the Bothell High School teacher is now on paid administrative leave.

Pygott initially told investigators he was struck from behind on the afternoon of May 19 at the high school and choked with a zip tie. He said the attacker then fled the scene.

Pygott was taken to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle for treatment and later released. He said he never got a look at his attacker. A phone message left for Pygott at the high school wasn't immediately returned.